Trainee IAS Officer Faces Termination and Criminal Charges Amid Controversy

A trainee IAS officer, Pooja Khedkar, is at the center of a brewing storm involving allegations of power misuse and document forgery. The Centre has appointed a single-member panel to investigate her candidature documents and other claims.

Khedkar, posted in Pune, has been accused of using unauthorized privileges such as a red-blue beacon on a private car and the wrongful use of office premises. The Pune police are actively probing these allegations.

Moreover, Khedkar is under scrutiny for allegedly falsifying her economic status and misusing reservation quotas for the OBC non-creamy layer to clear the Union Public Service Commission exam. Her father, Dilip Khedkar, and mother, Manorama Khedkar, are also embroiled in the controversy, with Dilip being accused of exerting pressure on authorities.

In a recent India Today TV interview, Dilip Khedkar vehemently defended his daughter, questioning the allegations and stating they await the committee’s final verdict. He maintained that all actions were in accordance with rules and regulations.

Notably, the Pune Civic Body issued a notice to Manorama Khedkar, directing the removal of unauthorized structures near their bungalow. This move adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy.

The crux of the matter lies in the authenticity of documents submitted by Puja Khedkar for her Civil Services examination and subsequent selection. The future course of action, including possible termination and criminal charges, hinges on the findings of the committee probing the allegations.